Staycation destination: Polymath Park in Mt. Pleasant Township
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Need a break? Looking for new adventure? There’s no reason to leave Western Pennsylvania. In this occasional series, we highlight “staycation” ideas found in our own backyard.
Imagine being able to tour a Frank Lloyd Wright home — it’s easy if you try because Fallingwater is only an hour’s drive from Greensburg.
Now imagine being able to stay the night in a Wright home.
Turns out, that’s pretty easy too — now that two such places are within a half hour’s drive of Greensburg.
Wright community
At Polymath Park in Mt. Pleasant Township near Acme, two Wright-designed homes — Duncan House and Mäntylä House — are available for tours, events and overnight stays.
Both were relocated to Westmoreland County after being moved from their original locations — Duncan House from Lisle, Ill., in 2007 and Mäntylä House (formerly Lindholm House) from Cloquet, Minn., in 2019 — and reconstructed by their new owners, Thomas and Heather Papinchak, as part of a four-house, Wright-style community.
They are two of only seven Wright homes in the world offering overnight stays. Polymath Park includes two other homes — Balter House and Blum House — that were designed by Wright apprentice Peter Berndtson.
Duncan House
Named for clients Donald and Elizabeth Duncan, it sleeps up to six guests. Because of the historic nature of the home, no children under age 10 are permitted.
The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, toaster, Keurig coffee station, glassware, dinnerware and flatware. The stove top, oven and fireplace are not for public use.
The weekday rate (Monday-Thursday) is $399 per night, based on four guests. Additional guests are $50 per guest, per night.
The weekend rate is $425 per night, based on four guests. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to make the reservation.
Check-in is at 4 p.m.; checkout is by 11 a.m.
Mäntylä House
Finnish for “under the pines,” Mäntylä House sleeps up to four guests. Similar rules apply as with Duncan House.
Check-in is at 5 p.m., except on Sunday and Monday, when check-in is at 6 p.m. Checkout is by 10:30 a.m.
The rate is $475 per night, based on four or fewer guests. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to make the reservation.
Rentals can be booked at www.franklloydwrightovernight.net/book.
Take a tour
Tours of Duncan House, Mäntylä House and Balter House are available March through December.
The three houses are available for daily guided tours (excluding Wednesday), lunch tours and dinner tours.
Mimosa tours and “Dine at Wright’s Table” tours also are available.
Tours can be booked at fallingwater.org/visit/tours/.
Grab a bite
Rounding out the Polymath Park experience is Tree Tops Restaurant, 187 Evergreen Lane, Acme.
The restaurant, which occupies the home where the Papinchaks lived from 2000-08, offers seafood and fish, chicken entrees, filet mignon, salads, and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Make a reservation at www.treetopsrestaurant.net.
While you’re there
Combine a stay at Duncan House or Mäntylä House with a visit to Fallingwater, Wright’s most famous home, and Kentuck Knob — both of which are in Fayette County. Fallingwater is open for tours from March 9-Dec. 31, except Wednesdays.
If architecture is not your thing, also located nearby is Ohiopyle State Park, known as one of Pennsylvania’s premier state parks. The park encompasses 20,500 acres in the Laurel Highlands.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, contact editor Becky Poole at 724-838-5146 or bpoole@tribweb.com.